ROYAL MALEWANE - TIMBAVATI GAME RESERVE - GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK:
Royal Malewane is an advance on the senses. On the Western fringe of the Kruger National Park, in the heart of Southern Africa's "Big-Five" territory, Royal Malewane balances an exquisite synthesis of nature's wild pulse with the quiet and sophisticated sublimity of colonial comfort, elegance and style. Come and find yourself in Africa, where lions drink and impala dance under the drift of clouds that cruise like the seamless dreamings of hills.

Adding to the pleasure of a stay at Royal Malewane is the wonderful new gym and spa facility. It offers health and skincare therapy by an internationally qualified in-house therapist. Guests may enjoy a treatment of their choice at the luxurious spa or in the sala, with only nature surrounding them. Alternatively, they may relax with a treatment in the complete privacy of their own suite.

To appreciate all that Royal Malewane has to offer, we recommend a minimum of a three night stay. We are able to accommodate requests for singles and children over 12 are welcome. Alternatively, book the entire camp and the order of the day is your own.

THE CAMP:
Luxury, in its purest form, transcends both the material and the sensual. It is a pannier for the soul, suspended quietly in space and time, high above life's familiar course.
The joys of a bygone era await you at Royal Malewane, situated within the greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. Accommodating a maximum of 20 guests in the utmost colonial splendour, Royal Malewane is an exclusive getaway for those who value privacy, personalised service and the best game viewing Africa has to offer.

Each of the eight freestanding and private suites rests in harmony with its magnificent surroundings with a rich deck wood terrace, thatched gazebo and spillway pool finding easy residence in nature.
The colonial style of the lodge is especially visible inside the suites, which feature a palatial air-conditioned bedroom/sitting room with a fireplace, antique furniture and canopied king-size bed as well as an extravagant bathroom with a window-side Victorian bath and indoor and outdoor showers. The suites luxurious interior appointments draw inspiration from the grand colonial ethos; neo-classical refuge in the raw uncompromising bush. Here, after a long day of exhilarating game viewing, you can journey into dream's domain draped in Ralph Lauren linen, as the lion-roars echo through your window of stars.

Elevated walkways link the suites to the main camp with the African sky your ceiling.
The main camp complex is the heart of Royal Malewane. African thatched-roof buildings house the library, shop, dining and reception areas. Furnished with rich antiques and Persian carpets, every fitting creates the feel of original colonial elegance.
Royal Malewane's luxurious accommodations redefine the concept of solitude.

The Royal and Malewane Suites:
The plains of Africa are stage to an age-old drama; the perpetual tale of the hunter and the hunted. Watch this gripping epic unfold before your eyes from the bushveld’s ultimate vantage point – The Royal & Malewane Suites.

Stretching out majestically in the shade of Acacia thorn and boasting panoramic views, the Royal & Malewane Suites are the pinnacle of refinement and opulence and are the largest in Africa at 210 square meters. These ultra luxurious private hideaways accommodate four guests each in two en-suite rooms, private lounge and dining facilities. Complimentary services include a private butler & chef, private game drives and up to 4 complimentary massages per suite per day. Dining is a grand affair with the very best china, silver and crystal set against crisp white napery. Only the wildlife witnesses guests relaxing in the private Jacuzzi and pool.
Guests wishing to arrive incognito may request the use of a helicopter or executive jet.

THE APPEAL:
Repose, refresh and rediscover yourself in the company of all things wild.
Royal Malewane is for those who would like to escape the constraints of modern life to experience a synthesis of wildest Africa and age-old colonial splendour. As the suites are set deep in the African bush - this unspoilt paradise may not suit those who seek a tame, sterile environment. Rather, it suits the more adventurous traveller who wants to experience true Africa.

We are normally able to accommodate requests for singles and since most groups mix together, guests travelling alone are unlikely to feel excluded.
Because of its unique size and exclusive nature, Royal Malewane is suited to being reserved in its entirety for family gatherings or close friends wishing to have the camp exclusively.

OTHER ACTIVITIES (ADDITIONAL COST):

CULTURAL VILLAGE TOUR:
Visit Nyani Tribal Village – an authentic Shangaan Village reliving tribal life of 50 years ago. The village serves to both preserve the culture of the Shangaans of this area, as well as to educate local and foreign visitors in the traditions and customs of a fascinating community who inhabited the lowveld. All visitors to the village are guided by Axon who is of the lineage of Chief Kapama. Nyani is a working village and there are on-going activities for visitors to try their hand at.

MOHOLOHOLO – WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTRE:
Situated in the shadow of the majestic “Mariepskop” this unique conservancy is home to many wild animals. A visit to the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation centre is an unforgettable experience. A wide variety of birds and animals can be seen here, where Brian Jones and his team nurture the injured and orphaned, rehabilitating them for release back to the wild wherever possible. Those that are not so fortunate, due to the nature and extent of their injuries, are cared for in captivity to educate the many people who visit Moholoholo each year. Guided tours through the Centre bring visitors in close contact with both common and rare species such as the lovely Crowned and Martial eagles, Owls & Vultures as well as Serval, Duiker, Lions, Leopard and many other animals and birds.

The Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at Moholoholo contributes to the conservation of endangered species and the rehabilitation of injured and poisoned wildlife. Moholoholo also facilitates a number of successful breeding programs. A visit to the centre will stimulate awareness and understanding of the plight which our wildlife faces today.

Rehab hours:
Monday to Saturday
1st Tour starts at 09h30
2nd Tour starts at 15h00
Approximate time of tours is 2 hours.

HELICOPTER FLIGHTS – BLYDE RIVER CANYON:
A flight to and through the Blyde River Canyon, the third deepest canyon in the world. View the Three Rondavels, God’s Window and the awesome bushveld below. Before heading home you stop off alongside one of the many graceful waterfalls for a glass of champagne and a delicious picnic.

HELICOPTER - AIRPORT / INTER LODGE TRANSFERS:
To and From Hoedspruit airport For 1 – 4 people
To and From all Sabi Sand Lodges For 1 – 4 people

HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHTS:
Choose this gentle adventure, an experience unlike any other. The oldest form of flying, ballooning is a graceful and romantic way to view the beautiful Sabie River Valley. Balloon flights take off in the very early morning and moving along at wind speed the balloon is part of the climate of the day. The view of things earthbound is surprisingly detailed.

FULL DAY PANORAMIC ROAD TOUR:

A knowledgeable guide will transfer you by road through the majestic Blyde River Canyon to view God’s Window, the Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Bourkes Luck and other popular spots on the way to the historic Pilgrims Rest for a delicious lunch before heading back to the Lodge.

OPEN VEHICLE GAME DRIVES IN KRUGER PARK:

A full day safari with a professional field guide in the Kruger Park – South Africa’s largest national park.

AWARDS:
Since opening in January 2000, Royal Malewane has always striven to provide its guests with a safari experience of a truly superior nature. This commitment to excellence has resulted in Royal Malewane being featured in no fewer than 35 local and international publications, and receiving international acclaim in the form of the following prestigious awards:

Best Safari Lodge - Tatler (UK) 2006
Top 101 Hotels - Tatlers (UK) 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2006
Top 10 Spas of the World - Tatlers (UK) August 2003
Top 57 Hot Spots of the World - Condé Nast Traveller 2001
"Hideaways of the Year 2001" Grand Award Winner - Andrew Harpers Hideaway Report
Best Destinations for 2001 - Forbes Magazine
One of the top 150 places in the World - Harpers & Queen Travel Awards 2003
Chaine des Rotisseurs Blazon for Cuisine

Royal Malewane is widely recognised for serving up some of the most exciting cuisine Africa has to offer. Our culinary expertise has culminated in Executive Chef John Jackson and Creator Liz Biden being invited to exhibit their skills at these international food promotions:

April 2001 – Athenaeum Hotel, London
October 2001 – Beau Rivage, Mauritius
January 2002 – Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Dublin, Ireland and Hibernian Hotel, Dublin, Ireland
July 2002 – Athenaeum Hotel, London
October 2002 – Napoleon Hotel, Paris

THE SPA:
Royal Malewane is internationally renowned for providing the pinnacle of luxury game viewing in all of Africa . Now this regal getaway is also home to one of the most exclusive Spas on the continent. Completely surrounded by the untamed African bush, The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa is a veritable oasis of calm. With internationally qualified therapists on hand to provide therapeutic massage, luxurious body treatments and hydrotherapy, this is the ultimate refuge for those seeking to refresh and restore the mind, body and spirit.

The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa prides itself on treating guests to a truly African spa experience. As such, every aspect of the spa has been designed to encapsulate this philosophy. While the treatments utilise the very best of eastern and western thinking, they also incorporate specially selected indigenous elements that reflect the magnificence and magic of the bush. Defining the African experience are The Waters of Royal Malewane signature treatments. Completely unique and unashamedly indulgent, these treatments make use of rare indigenous oils and traditional ingredients to provide a sensory experience with an unforgettable African touch.

The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa philosophy also draws on the much-celebrated healing powers of water. All hydrotherapy treatments make use of untainted, mineral-rich water specially sourced from an underground stream that flows through the game reserve. Filtered through limestone and granite, these are the very waters after which this incomparable Bush Spa is named.

Inspired by the natural beauty of bushveld, the Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa has been created to be completely at one with its breathtaking surroundings. Stretching out majestically between gnarled Jackelberry and Acacia Thorn, the Bush Spa's clean lines and minimalist design exude an air of complete balance and tranquillity. In the knowledge that a tranquil environment contributes towards a calm state of mind, careful attention was paid to each and every detail of the Spa's design and layout. Soothing colours, complemented by rich organic textures and uncluttered open-plan design, create a mood of pure serenity.

Gentle whispers of flowing water invite guests through majestic antique Indian Teak doors into the Spa's beautiful central courtyard. Here, with the seamless African sky as a ceiling, guests are free to relax around the palatial 25m heated pool and enjoy the sights and sounds of Africa .
Positioned around the central courtyard are the beautifully appointed treatment rooms, as well as a fully equipped gymnasium, a steam room, hot and cold African baths and bush casitas where guests can enjoy the treatment of their choice, or simply relax in private. Nestled in the heart of 13000 hectares of wildest Africa , The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa is quite simply the ultimate sanctuary for the senses.

THE STAFF:
Warm, caring, professional. With an intimate knowledge of the local environment matched only by their intuitive insight into your every need. Whether you’re taking high-tea or a game drive under stars, the watchword is service – of unrelenting standard.

John Jackson - Executive Chef
John Jackson has been a name behind some of South Africa's most sought after restaurants. Some of the restaurants that he established includes the Country Restaurant, L'Orangerie, The Wild Fig and the Rosenfontein restaurants, the latter receiving a National Top Ten rating.

John Jackson also opened Jackson's and Café Bijou as two complementary restaurants at The Peninsula Hotel in Sea Point. Jackson's featured in Cape Town's Top Ten and also achieved a National Top Ten rating. Café Bijou was regularly rated as one of the Cape's top informal restaurants.
In 1999, John Jackson joined Royal Malewane delivering a culinary experience of a truly royal nature to the guests. He has also been awarded the Blazon by the Chaine des Rotisseurs.

Juan Pinto - Head Ranger & Reserve Manager
Juan's affinity to all things wild started in early childhood. During his school years, he partook in Raptor Research in the Kruger National Park. His career in the African bush took flight shortly after matriculating when he started working at Chapungu Game lodge as a ranger, whilst studying nature conservation. Here, he was involved in the successful rehabilitation of a cheetah and her release back into the wild.
Juan moved to Thornybush Game reserve in 1995 and within a year was promoted to the position of Head Ranger. He now holds a qualification as a FGASA Scout and is South Africa’s only field guide to hold a FGASA SKS (Special Knowledge and Skills – Dangerous Game) qualification as well as Senior Tracker status. Besides his duties at Royal Malewane, Juan, who is also a Theta Qualified Trainer and Assessor, uses his rare insight and vast knowledge of the African Bush in teaching and evaluating trackers in South Africa.

WEATHER:
Summer - December, January, February

December
December is an extremely lively time as the birth of the young calves and lambs offer the predators plenty of opportunity for a kill. The intense heat of day and inevitable thundershowers in the afternoon encourage activity only towards the end of the day when the temperature cools down.

Average Temperatures
Minimum: 20°C, 68 F
Maximum: 31°C, 88 F

January:
The temperatures in January can be very hot (+35°C, 98 F) during the day, but the relief of the predictable afternoon thundershowers cools the day down.
The vegetation is very dense and lush due to the summer rains.

As there is plenty of water and grazing, the game is spread out over a wide area in the bush.
Some of the browsers give birth around this time.

Average Temperatures
Minimum: 20°C, 68 F
Maximum: 32°C, 90 F

February:
February brings the hottest temperatures during the summer months. The rains are not as frequent now, and the game only moves around when it is cool enough, mostly seeking shady areas in the thick vegetation.

Average Temperatures
Minimum: 20°C, 68 F
Maximum: 32°C, 90 F

Autumn - March, April, May

March:
March offers mild relief from the previous month and signifies the end of summer.
Although it rains less, the waterholes are still filled with enough water.

The young born a few months ago are now stronger, and a little more confident about survival against the predators.

Average Temperatures
Minimum: 19°C, 66 F
Maximum: 31°C, 88 F

April:
During April, a brief Lowveld Autumn occurs. The temperatures during the day can still be hot, but there is a noticeable change at night as it cools down. The ground water starts drying out, and so the game moves towards the river. Some of the vegetation begins to change colour from green to yellow and brown.

Average Temperatures
Minimum: 16°C, 61 F
Maximum: 29°C, 84 F

May:
May is a month of change and transformation. The vegetation is less dense and the visibility opens up, providing better opportunity for spotting game. Predators usually select their favourite water points to stalk and lie in wait for their prey. The temperatures during the day are warm, but the nights begin to be cool.

Average Temperatures
Minimum: 12°C, 54 F
Maximum: 27°C, 81 F

Winter - June, July, August
June:
June brings winter. Although the temperatures are cooler, shorts and t-shirts can still be worn during the day with a warm jacket at night. Due to the cooler temperatures, the predators are fairly active during the day, and witnessing a kill during the day is a distinct possibility.

Average Temperatures
Minimum: 9°C, 48 F
Maximum: 25°C, 77 F

July:
July is even drier than June, but otherwise the temperatures are similar.

The game activity around the rivers is excellent during this time of year.

Average Temperatures

Minimum: 9°C, 48 F
Maximum: 25°C, 77 F

August:
August is generally viewed as the best month for game viewing as the vegetation is golden brown and least dense.

The days begin to warm up again, although the nights are still cold.

Average Temperatures
Minimum: 12°C, 54 F
Maximum: 26°C, 79 F

Spring - September, October, November

September:
Like May, September brings many contrasts. At this time the colours of spring blossom in the dry bushveld. The bush is still dry, sparse and with the lack of water provides excellent game viewing.

Average Temperatures
Minimum: 14°C, 57 F
Maximum: 28°C, 82 F

October:
October brings the late afternoon showers, finally bringing much awaited relief to the vegetation.

Although there is not too much rain yet, it is enough to see signs of early growth to the trees and bushes, providing the browsers with food.

Average Temperatures
Minimum: 16°C, 61 F
Maximum: 29°C, 84 F

November:
During November the beginnings of summer show, as the days become warmer. With the afternoon rains, the bush is green and the luscious grass provides grazing for the browsers and their young. With the migration of birds from the north, the avid bird watcher has a wealth of different species to enjoy.

Average Temperatures
Minimum: 18°C, 64 F
Maximum: 30°C, 86 F

Scheduled Flights:
There are daily South African Express Airways flights departing from Cape Town and Johannesburg International Airports destined for Eastgate Airport near Hoedspruit.

When arriving at Eastgate Airport, guests will be personally met by a representative from Royal Malewane and all the transfer arrangements will be taken care of. The transfer time to Royal Malewane is approximately 45 minutes by road. In addition, transfers by small aircraft or helicopter can be arranged by special request.

What to bring:
Prior to visiting the lodge, we recommend that all our guests consult with their physician regarding anti-malaria prophylactics. This medication needs to be taken prior to arrival at Royal Malewane. The dress code at Royal Malewane is informal. We recommend the following items:

General: Comfortable walking shoes, sun hat, sun screen, sunglasses, binoculars, camera and warm clothing for game drives.
Summer: Lightweight clothing in natural colours and bathing suit.
Winter: Warm clothing for evenings e.g. an insulated jacket, gloves and beanie.

TIMBAVATI GAME RESERVE:
The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve came into existence on July 1956, when a group of conservation-minded persons who owned "game farms" on the western boundary of the Kruger Park came together to form the Timbavati Association.

The idea of forming such a reserve was first mooted as early as 1948, and for several years a handful of far-sighted men met frequently to discuss ways and means to create a nature reserve of a meaningful size in the area. These "leading spirits" of conservation and sustainable land use eventually succeeded in convincing sufficient number of landowners in the region to join them in forming an Association governed by a Constitution that would limit the "rights" of the individual landowner for the benefit of all.

Man's incursions into this part of the Lowveld have always been temporary and brief, from Early Stone Age down to the early 20th century. In point of fact, large tracts of land in the northern portion of the Lowveld were never permanently settled by man, and the lands now comprising the Timbavati were barely touched, and are still only lightly inhabited. This part of South Africa's bushveld region may therefore be regarded as truly unspoiled and deserves recognition as truly wild land, as opposed to the "restored" and "restocked" lands commonly found elsewhere.

The white lions of Timbavati where discovered by Chris McBride in the early 1970s while doing his Phd on his father's farm Vlakgezicht. Timbavati became well known for the white lions, and as a result the commercial lodges in the reserve became very popular tourist destinations. Although there are currently no white lions in the reserve, the recessive gene causing this unusual phenomenon is still carried by the local prides, which are still paler than most other lions by comparison. Several books have been dedicated to the subject, including two written by Chris McBride.

The principal aim of the reserve is the preservation of wildlands and wildlife by restoring the land to its natural state and maintaining the mix and balance of species, conditions, and processes that have historically occurred in this region. Timbavati is dedicated to the proposition that conservation's greatest purpose and challenge is to maintain the reign of Nature. Timbavati's mission is to see that at least here - in this small, but singular and deeply cherished part of the African Bushveld - Nature will be defended against human impacts, and left just as it should be: natural.

The Timbavati Private nature Reserve is located in what is called the "Lowveld", a vast tract of subtropical savannah bushveld in the Limpopo Province of the Republic of South Africa.

The reserve consists of prime wildlife habitat situated on the unfenced western boundary of the world-famous Kruger National Park, a conservation area of more than 2,000,000 ha (over 5 million acres).

The southern border of this great complex of public and privately - owned protected land lies close to the Kingdom of Swaziland and abuts the boundaries of Zimbabwe in the north and Mozambique in the east.

Timbavati is one of a handful of nature reserves on the western boundary of the Kruger Park that are now an integral part of the Kruger Park system. Collectively termed the Association of Private Nature Reserves, these wildlife-rich lands adjoin and are managed in cooperation with the Kruger National Park, forming a unique combination of public and private lands called "The Greater Kruger Park".

The new conservation entity, created in the early 1990's, contains no internal fencing (apart from that which is used to enclose a few isolated camps, and thus "exclose" dangerous game animals). This opened up a vast stretch of wild land to the free movement of wildlife throughout what is now effectively a single conservation area. This situation is good for both wildlife and tourists: wildlife have access to more resources for meeting their permanent, seasonal, and episodic needs; and tourists are offered a wider range of eco-tourism facilities.

At the beginning of 2002, the association had 50 members, and the Reserve was made up of 50 contiguous farms totalling approximately 60,000 hectares (over 144000 acres). The owners of these farms - like the officials of the national Parks Board - are committed to maintaining their land in as pristine a state as possible. They are individuals who attach a great value to wildlife, and have a strong desire to maintain that increasingly rare commodity called "wilderness". These farms represent a different kind of investment and produce a different kind of "profit". If well tended, and disturbed as little as possible, their wildlife and wild beauty will never be exhausted, and their value will only appreciate with time.

There are seven fine game lodges in the Timbavati Reserve, as well as an environmental education camp featuring overnight wilderness hikes and other special programmes.

In addition to providing visitors the opportunity to see virtually all of the species of wildlife to be found in the region, each lodge offers a diverse range of facilities and services within the grounds of the lodge itself, as well as a level of personal and attentive service that the seasoned traveller has come to expect from the world's smaller, more intimate lodges. Timbavati's privately owned and operated lodges pride themselves on their ability to offer something truly different, and truly better, at a reasonable and competitive price.

Timbavati's principal attraction is the astonishing diversity and abundance of wildlife species that inhabit the reserve. Mammalian species alone number 147, including 27 ungulates (hoofed mammals) and 4 large carnivores. Many of these spectacular animals are likely to be spotted even on a short visit.

There are also many lesser-known animals that most visitors find fascinating to behold, from exotic reptiles and amphibians, to colourful and bizarre insects. And for those with a botanical bent, there are hundreds of species of trees and shrubs (not to mention the enormous variety of grasses and other plant life).

In addition to its wealth of biological diversity, there is something else that many visitors soon discover - something they commonly say is equally impressive, and of enormous value. In the Timbavati there exists an atmosphere of undisturbed nature - of true wilderness - which is difficult to define and describe, but can readily be perceived by the discerning traveller in those rare places where it can still be encountered.

This subtle and ineffable quality, which is so powerful and captivating to the imagination, is no longer to be found in most game parks and reserves in the world; in Timbavati, it cannot be missed. Here there is a sense that the land has never belonged to man; and that ever since the Pleistocene - the "Golden Age of Mammals" - this land has belonged to those majestic creatures that dominated virtually the entire world during that remote epoch.